"forget
me
not"
upcycled
copper
necklace

Handmade

Recycled

Community Voted

Plucked from Memory

This unforgettable necklace and its matching earrings features a sweet cluster of forget-me-not blossoms, a flower that has been worn for centuries as a symbol of enduring love and remembrance. This particular cluster is handcrafted by jewelry artist Susan Harbourt, and was the winner of UncommonGoods' Upcycling Design Challenge.

One night, while Susan was helping her husband update the original electrical system in their Edwardian-era house, she noticed the lovely aged copper wire they removed from the walls. Entranced by the beauty of this metal, she picked up a few scraps decided to incorporate them into lovely pieces of jewelry.

The reclaimed copper's aged patina gives her blooms an ombre shading, from dark to light. Her cut blossoms are then strung along a black, waxed cotton cord that can be adjusted to be worn as an elegant, long necklace, or as a striking choker. Made in Illinois.

details

Handmade

Recycled

Community Voted

Item ID

23408

Made from

copper,
woven cotton cord

Measurements

Pendant: 1.75" L x 1.75" W, Cord: 36" L adjustable

Notes

Care recommendation: avoid swimming, showering, sleeping and sweating while wearing your necklace. Cleaning: use a soft toothbrush and mild soap. Rinse well with water and pat dry with a soft cloth. Be sure it is completely dry before storing it.

the maker

Susan Harbourt

Susan Harbourt, is an engineer by training, an artist by accident, and a self taught metalsmith by choice.

One fateful night, she was helping her husband update the original electrical system installed during the 1930′s as a part of the Rural Electrification Act in their Edwardian era house. Scattered all over the floor were piles of lovely aged copper wire that they had just removed from the walls of the old house. Entranced by the beauty of the surrounding copper, she picked up a few scraps and wove them into a bracelet. A spark was ignited and a passion was born in that very moment.

Now Susan loves to experiment with a variety of metals and materials to see where her hammer takes her. There is an unequaled satisfaction in feeling the magic of making metal transform from something you would dismiss as a scrap to an amazing work of art. She primarily works in recycled sterling silver and reclaimed copper making an array of rings, necklaces, bracelets, bookmarks, and sentimental gifts and is in heaven when at her bench with all tools in action; saw, torch, hammers, anvil, and the list goes on…

Susan loves finding inspiration from the world around her. It not only shows through in all of her designs but also in the way she tries to run operate her business. Most of her work features reclaimed products and her studio is full of vintage tools and furniture. She is constantly striving to find more eco friendly ways to operate her business as well.
collection